Soffets - How often do you clean yours?

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
Status
Not open for further replies.
spacejamz

spacejamz

Lifer
Mar 31, 2003
10,922
1,572
126
I can definitely notice that my 2nd floor isn't as cool as it was when I got my ridge vents installed so hoping that cleaning my soffets will help...

Not looking forward to this fun job climbing up and down the ladder with the compressor hose to reach the 2nd floor soffets...

From reading various site on how to clean them, this should be done routinely with a compressor to blow out air from the outside....a leaf blower can be used if you don't have a compressor but a pressure washer or vacuum cleaner shouldn't be used...
 
spacejamz

spacejamz

Lifer
Mar 31, 2003
10,922
1,572
126
One of the sites I found:

http://www.familyhandyman.com/roof/how-to-clean-soffit-vents/view-all

If you notice that your soffit vents are dirty, don’t wait. You should clean soffit (eave) and other types of attic air intake vents at least every couple of years, if not annually. The best way to clean them is with blasts of compressed air to blow away dust, dirt and any loose insulation that may have fallen into the soffit area.

Attic ventilation is critical to the health of your house. It begins with soffit vents that inhale outside air—necessary to create an airflow that moves warm attic air out the roof vents. Once the air enters the soffit, it usually proceeds through an air chute or some other opening along the underside of the roof into the attic where it helps push warm attic air out the roof vents (See “How Attic Venting Works” below). The plastic air chutes (from home centers and building suppliers) in each rafter space keep the air path clear between the rafters and the roof sheathing.

The benefits of ensuring good attic airflow are fourfold:

Reduces moisture buildup that prevents mildew growth and rot on your roof’s framing and sheathing
Reduces cooling costs during hot weather, which can be dramatic if your attic is under-insulated
Extends shingle life by keeping the roof cooler in hot weather
Reduces ice dams and the potential damage they cause during snow season.
 
tracerbullet

tracerbullet

Golden Member
Feb 22, 2001
1,661
19
81
Interesting. Makes complete sense, is just not something I really ever thought of. Thanks for adding to my to do list :p.
 
S

shabby

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
5,782
45
91
spacejamz said:
The best way to clean them is with blasts of compressed air to blow away dust, dirt and any loose insulation that may have fallen into the soffit area.
Click to expand...

That might work if the soffits have tons of little holes, some of them dont. But even if you blow them with compressed air you still have no idea if you cleaned them properly unless to go into the attic and check.
 
spacejamz

spacejamz

Lifer
Mar 31, 2003
10,922
1,572
126
ordered a 50' hose for my compressor from amazon which should be here tomorrow and will pick up a 20' extension ladder ladder from lowes (they one for $113 by me which seems to be a good price)...will report back once I have finished to see if it bring the 2nd floor temps back down...
 
D

dbcooper1

Senior member
May 22, 2008
594
0
76
I assume it's the vents we're talking about cleaning; you definitely don't want water up there, just used compressed air in some form - a leaf blower or compressor hose with a nozzle. Just want to clear the way for air to be drawn in and exit through whatever you have near the top of the roof. Blown insulation settles on them and water would actually make that situation worse.
 
Last edited:
M

mizzou

Diamond Member
Jan 2, 2008
9,734
54
91
I've wondered if those ridge vents that have become so popular are even more prone to clogging. Bet those would be a bear to clean.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

TRENDING THREADS

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom